the goan I network
MARGAO
Corps of Signals wiped off a two-goal deficit to hold Guardian Angel Sports Club, Curchorem 2-2 in the GFA Goa Professional League at Rosary Ground, Navelim on Saturday. Corps of Signals were trailing 0-1 at the break.
Guardian Angel dominated the game initially and enjoyed slightly better ball possession and created a flutter when captain Cliffton Dias unleashed a snap shot that kissed the crossbar. But the Signals made an impression as the impressive pair of Pawan Kumar and Roshan Singh on the wings fed chances to the strikers.
Corps of Signals came close to breaking the deadlock but Under-20 player Joel Dias failed to nod in off a well measured lob from hard-working Nim Tshering Bhutia in the 18th minute. The Signals spurned the easiest chance in the 20th minute when Pawan Kumar’s shot was handled by rival defender Allen Fernanndes inside the penalty box and referee Sharad Naik awarded a penalty kick. The shot taken by Kuldeep Kumar was blocked by Guardian Angel goalkeeper Ozen Silva. Corps of Signals again went close in the 23rd minute but Kuldeep Singh failed to beat the rival goalkeeper in a one-to-one situation.
Led by Sunny Fernanndes, Guardian Angel tested the resolve of the Corps of Signals and the deadlock was finally broken in the 28th minute when James Fernandes, from the left sent a defence-splitting pass to Joaquim Carvalho who beat the rival goalkeeper Vikramjit Singh with a clinical finish. Guardian Angel had a chance to increase their tally when Nicholas Rodrigues’ left-footed drive caught the rival goalkeeper napping but rival defender Kuldeep Kumar cleared it to safety.
The Signals nearly equalised when Pawan Kumar’s shot was collected by the rival goalkeeper with great difficulty. Later Joel Dias’ header went straight into the hands of Guardian Angel goalkeeper Ozen Silva.
Post resumption, both the teams showed the urgency and in the 50th minute, Guardian Angel increased the lead when winger Nicholas Rodrigues’ left-footed free kick brushed the hands of rival goalkeeper Vikramjit Singh and rolled into the net. The Signals regrouped quickly and took the fight to the rival camp and Pawan Kumar picked up the ball from Suklab Bordolai to hook the ball into the goal as the Guardian Angel goalkeeper looked hesitant to come out, in the 64th minute.
The reducer boosted Corps of Signals and they upped the tempo and were rewarded when midfielder Laireilakan Singh unleashed a stiff shot that kissed the crossbar and beat the rival goalkeeper in the 75th minute to put his team on equal terms. Corps of Signals substitute Laireilakan Singh was ejected by the referee for dangerous play.
